State Farm seeks to test drones in Illinois

State Farm insurance company is seeking federal approval to test drones in evaluating property damage and responding to natural disasters.

The Pantagraph reported Saturday that the Bloomington, Illinois-based company has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

It asks for two exemptions to existing rules. One would allow it to operate unmanned aircraft at a private State Farm test site in Central Illinois. A second would allow it to use them during actual catastrophes.